Michael Jackson struts stuff in shantytown

But Rio politicians not amused

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (CNN) -- Pop star Michael Jackson shook up Rio
de Janeiro Sunday as his hips gyrated, his voice resonated
and his body glided across the rooftop of a shanty.

In the background, Rio's colossal statue of Christ looked on
as enthusiastic fans crowded the slum to catch a glimpse of
Jackson, who was shooting a music video by director Spike
Lee. The song is called, "They Don't Care About Us." (1 MB QuickTime movie)

But Rio's politicians weren't smiling at the show. They've
accused the singer of using Rio's poverty to make money. The
video is being shot in Dona Marta, one of Rio's most violent
shantytowns where 12,000 people live.

It's not an image of Rio that local politicians want the
world to see, especially when the city is campaigning to be
the site for the 2004 Summer Olympics. But, they failed to
keep Jackson away.

Jose Oliveira, president of a shantytown residents'
organization, alleged that Jackson had negotiated with drug
traffickers to gain authorization to film there.

"To enter Brazil, Jackson needs a visa. To enter a
shantytown, you need an OK from drug traffickers," Oliveira
said.

Some residents called it the biggest thing that's ever
happened in Dona Marta, especially for the children who saw
the mega-star take an interest in their area. Others hope
Jackson's visit will prompt city officials to improve living
conditions.

Jackson arrived in Rio on Saturday, prompting nearly 1,500
policeman and 50 residents to seal off the area where Jackson
was to shoot the video. The tight security didn't stop one
woman who broke through security guards and gave Jackson a
bear hug.

When two police officers tried to remove her, the group
tumbled to the ground. Jackson, who emerged unscathed, simply
brushed off his jeans, and the cameras continued to roll.

"It was just a little hug. It was the others who knocked him
down. I felt an urge to do it," chambermaid Solange Xavier
dos Santos said.